At the Libraries: World's Strongest Librarian

Each month Miss Kathleen provides links to a variety of stories about libraries, authors, and books. If there’s something noteworthy going on in your local library, leave us a comment!

Best Christmas decoration ever!
*
I know you guys love libraries, or you wouldn't be reading this column! So here's a great survey that asks YOU what aspects you'd like to see some pretty important people (ahem, Gates Foundation) spend money on. It's your chance to speak up!
*
I didn't even know there was a medal for libraries! These worthy libraries are this year's winners.
*
A librarian collects tiny books with authors' signatures and, of course, there is a tumblr for it! (Thanks once again to Fuse 8 for the link.)
*
Is this the World's Strongest Librarian? Probably. I mean, I am pretty strong, but this guy does seem stronger.
*
I know we are ready to put Superstorm Sandy behind us, but I think libraries' role in helping communities deserves to be highlighted. Yay libraries!

*
Halloween is well over, but if you like a scare, maybe you should check out a supposedly haunted library in Rochester, NY. I'm too much of a wimp, but if you go, please let us all know.
*
I love a good year's best list, don't you? Check out what books are getting the nod from Amazon, The New York Times, and Publisher's Weekly, to start. So what was your favorite book this year? I am leaning toward The Age of Miracles myself.
*

And if that isn't enough gift-giving inspiration, we now move to the best-gifts-for-book-lovers portion of this month's column:

*
Let's rounds this out with an inspiring TEDx talk from children's lit rock star Jarrett Krosoczka (if you haven't read Punk Farm put it on your wish list!) about how he attained his dream job.
***
Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone has a great holiday season. See you next month, and as always, please email me if you've got great library or literary news to share!

Also on Mental Floss:

DID YOU KNOW? Marlon Brando hated memorizing lines so much that he posted cue cards everywhere to help him get through scenes.
He even asked for lines to be written on an actress's posterior. (That request was denied.)